I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully defend from waste the natural resources of my country, its air, soil and minerals, its forests, waters, and wildlife.
Study shows how government incentives are driving corn ethanol expansion, impacting wildlife
Ann Arbor, MI – A University of Michigan study released today shows how government incentives
for corn ethanol are driving farmers to shift land into corn production, resulting in significant decreases in grassland bird populations throughout the fragile Prairie Pothole Region. The study, conducted for the National Wildlife Federation by a team of graduate students from the University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, analyzes the current and potential impacts of increased corn ethanol production on wildlife and habitat in the Prairie Pothole states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“Our research shows that native grassland is being converted into cropland at an alarming rate throughout the Prairie Pothole Region,” said Greg Fogel, study co‐author and MS/MPP candidate at the University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources and Environment and Ford School of Public Policy. “As a result, populations of sensitive wildlife species are declining significantly in areas with high increases in corn plantings.”
This video was created by California Waterfowl to promote understanding of hunting's place in a healthy balanced ecosystem and to help hunters explain how hunting intimately connects us to our environment. Please visit http://www.calwaterfowl.org/web2/programs/heritage/whyhuntvideo.htm for more information on the video.
The Minnesota Environmental Partnership hosted a day at the Capitol in March. We met with three legislators and spent at least a half an hour with each one.
Please click here to see the brochure from the day's event.
MCF President Steve Maurice presents a $5000 check to Tim Bremicker of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in memorial of Gordie Meyer.
Gordie Meyer was a long time member and officer of MCF. The money will be matched with Critical Habitat money to invest a total of $10,000 into the Vermillion Wildlife Management Area complex in Dakota County.
MCF Legislative Report - January 2010
